Expandable expeditionary container system

ABSTRACT

A containerized expeditionary system that can be expanded from a compact, container sized unit to significantly increase the interior space, thereby allowing for use as a shelter, laundry, office, restroom, etc., or combinations therein. The system has a body with a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls, a floor, and a roof defining an interior space. A set of doors can be opened to allow a series of panels pivotally coupled to the body to be moved from a stowed configuration into a deployed configuration where the panels extend out of body to form an enclosure defining a second interior space that combines with the first interior space. The panels are positioned in the ends of the container to maximize the internal space so that the container can include all of the necessary equipment to provide the desired functionality at a location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/184,437, filed on May 5, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to temporary facilities and, morespecifically, to a containerized system for providing a temporaryfacility.

2. Description of the Related Art

Temporary facilities are frequently used by governments and privatecompanies to support responders, incident management, criticalinfrastructure operations, and displaced populations. For example, inthe event of an emergency or natural disaster, including technological,intentional, and terrorism risks, emergency management operations needto provide shelter, food, potable drinking water and sanitary facilitiesfor responders as well as for impacted populations. As the location ofthe event is usually unexpected, emergency management operations need tobe able to easily transport the facilities to the particular site andthen quickly and efficiently deploy the facilities for use. As a result,current approach for providing temporary facilities include the use ofstandard shipping containers that are outfitted with the requisitecomponents to be used as shelter, kitchens, bathrooms, and the like. Asit is not always possible to transport a full-sized container to alocation in need of support, a smaller container that is easier totransport may be used. The use of a smaller container, however, resultsin a temporary facility that is correspondingly smaller as well. As aresult, there is a need for in the art for an approach that can providethe largest facility possible while reducing the size of the containerneeded to support and transport the facility.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an expandable expeditionary container systemthat can provide temporary facilities at a location. The system may beoutfitted in a standard shipping container, such as a Tricon container,that can be deployed into a larger configuration to maximize the amountof enclosed space available for the particular facility to be provided.The system has a body having a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls,a floor, and a roof defining an interior space. The system includes aset of doors a that are capable of movement between a closed positionwhere the set of doors form at least one of the pair of end walls and anopen position permitting access to the interior space. A series ofpanels are pivotally coupled to the body within the interior spaceproximately to the set of doors. The series of panels are positioned inthe body to be movable between a stowed configuration, wherein each ofthe series of panels is contained within the interior space of the body,and a deployed position, wherein each of the panels extends out of theinterior space to form an enclosure defining a second interior space incommunication with the interior space of the body. The series of panelsmay be pivotally coupled to the body so that, in the stowedconfiguration, the panels extend in parallel to the set of doors in theclosed position and, in the deployed configuration, the series of panelsextend in parallel to the pair of side walls. The series of panels maycomprise five panels with at least four of the panels pivotallyconnected to the body. The fifth of the series of panels may bepivotally connected to one of four panels to form the last wall of a newenclosure in communication with the original interior space of thecontainer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated byreading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable expeditionary containersystem according to the present invention in a stowed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an expandable expeditionary containersystem according to the present invention in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3 is an end view of an expandable expeditionary container systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is partial top view of an expandable expeditionary containersystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an expandable expeditionary container systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an expandable expeditionary container systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a draw latch for releasably securingpanels of the present invention in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 8 is partial cutway view of the present invention in the deployedconfiguration according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary bunk configuration for an expandableexpeditionary container system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary kitchen configuration for an expandableexpeditionary container system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary combination laundry and office configuration foran expandable expeditionary container system according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, wherein like numeral refer to like partsthroughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 an expandable facility system 10that can be easily transported in a first configuration and thendeployed into a second configuration to provide a temporary facilitythat has a larger internal space than in the first configuration. System10 comprises a body 12 having a cuboid frame 14 supporting a first pairof opposing end walls 16 and 18, a second pair of opposing sidewalls 20and 22 extending perpendicularly to opposing end walls 16 and 18, a roof24, and a floor 26 that enclose an interior space 28 within body 12. Atleast one of end wall 16 or end wall 18 comprises a door assembly 30having a pair of doors 32 and 34 that are hingedly mounted to frame 14to be opened outwardly from body 12, thereby permitting access tointerior space 28. A second of pair of doors 36 and 38 may be hingedlymounted to frame 14 to form end wall 18. Preferably, opposing sidewalls20 and 22 comprise solid panels but may include doors, access, panels,and the like. Roof 24 is preferably formed from a solid panel. Floor 26may include one or more pockets 40 mounted thereunder that aredimensioned and oriented to allow a conventional forklift to engagecontainer 10. Roof 24 may include a twist lock casting 42 in each cornerof frame 14 to provide connection points for movement via cranes, forstacking with other systems 10 (or even conventional shippingcontainers), for loading onto vehicles, and for interconnecting ahelicopter sling for transport via helicopter into locations that arenot easily accessible via ground transportation. Interior space 28 mayinclude finishing, such as subfloors, wall panel or drywall, insulation,etc. as well as electrical conduits and plumbing as desired forhabitation to support a particle type of temporary facility. Body 12 isshown in FIG. 1 in a first stowed configuration and preferably comprisesa standard Tricon-type container but could comprise other standard sizedcontainers, such ISO containers, as well as custom containers includingthe requisite components described herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, system 10 may be placed into a second, deployedconfiguration. In this configuration, doors 32 and 34 of door assembly30 have been opened to permit access to interior space 28 of body 12. Afirst panel 50, a second panel 52, a third panel 54, and a fourth panel56, all of which are hingedly mounted within interior space 28 forpivoting out of interior space to extend from body 12 when doors 32 and34 are open. A fifth panel 58 may be pivotally mounted to one of firstpanel 50, second panel 52, third panel 54, or fourth panel 56 oppositelyfrom the end that is pivotally mounted to the interior surface of body12 to fully enclose a new space formed by first panel 50, second panel52, third panel 54, and fourth panel 56. Fifth panel 58, or any otherpanel, may include a door 60 and can additionally include windows orother openings. Alternatively, a conventional doorframe and door may bemounted into sidewall 20 of body 12 and omitted from the expandingsection formed by first panel 50, second panel 52, third panel 54,fourth panel 56, and fifth panel 58. Each of first panel 50, secondpanel 52, third panel 54, and fourth panel 56 are preferably mounted formovement between a stowed configuration where each panel extend inparallel with end wall 16 and thus door assembly 30, and a deployedconfiguration, where each of first panel 50, a second panel 52, a thirdpanel 54, and a fourth panel 56 have pivoted ninety degrees to extendalong a plane that is parallel to the plane formed by sidewalls 20 and22. The new enclosure formed by first panel 50, second panel 52, thirdpanel 54, fourth panel 56, and fifth panel 58 forms a second interiorspace that is open to and in communication with the interior space 28 ofbody 12, thereby forming a larger enclosed and interior space to serveas the desired facilities.

Referring FIGS. 3 and 4, each of first panel 50, second panel 52, thirdpanel 54, and fourth panel 56 are preferably mounted to body 12 viahinges 62 positioned just inside of door assembly 30 so that first panel50, second panel 52, third panel 54, and fourth panel 56 are stowedadjacent to doors 32 and 34. For example, first panel 50 may bepivotally mounted to the inside of roof 24, second panel 52 may bepivotally mounted to the inside of side wall 20, third panel 54 may bepivotally mounted to the inside of opposing side wall 22, and fourthpanel 56 may be pivotally mounted to the inside of floor 26. Fifth panel58 may be hingedly connected to third panel 54 (or second panel 52).This positioning reduces the amount of interior space 28 needed forfirst panel 50, second panel 52, third panel 54, and fourth panel 56 andmaximizes the amount of new space created when first panel 50, secondpanel 52, third panel 54, and fourth panel 56 are moved into thedeployed configuration. For example, each panel may be mounted 0.5inches away from each other, except for the joined panels forming theside wall and the end wall, i.e., third panel 54 and fifth panel 58 thatis hinged to third panel 54, which may be 0.25 inches apart from oneanother.

As a result, movement of first panel 50, a second panel 52, a thirdpanel 54, and a fourth panel 56 effectively extend the length ofinterior space 28 to include the additional space formed by the deployedposition of first panel 50, a second panel 52, a third panel 54, and afourth panel 56. In the example of a Tricon container (type II)outfitted with system 10, the deployed configuration will nearly doublethe volume of the space enclosed by the standard Tricon configuration(some of the conventional volume would be lost in the stowedconfiguration due to the stowed panels being positioned in interiorspace 28 adjacent to door assembly 30). With a corresponding sixth panel70, seventh panel 72, eighth panel 74, ninth panel 76, and tenth panel78 installed in the opposing end of body 12 proximate to a second doorassembly 80, the deployed configuration of system 10 can nearly triplethe volume of the container that has been outfitted with system 10. Asshould be recognized by those of skill in the art, a support 82 may needto be positioned under fourth panel 56 and ninth panel 76 to maintainlevel depending on the conditions of the ground on which system 10 isplaced. Support 82 may comprise one more cinder blocks, jacks, jackstands, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, first panel 50, second panel 52, third panel 54,fourth panel 56, and fifth panel 58 (as well as sixth panel 70, seventhpanel 72, eighth panel 74, ninth panel 76, and tenth panel 78) can besecured in the expanded configuration using draw latches 90. Morespecifically, any two adjacent panels may be secured to each other usinga draw latch 90 having a pivotal latch 92 and hook 94 secured to onepanel, and a keeper 96 secured to an adjacent panel.

System 10 may therefore be deployed by opening doors 32 and 34 and thenpivoting all panels into the deployed configuration. Securing alllatches 90 will draw panels together and retain panels in the deployedconfiguration. System 10 may be easily transitioned back into the stowedconfiguration by unlatching all latches 90 and then pivoting from theirdeployed positions back into the stowed configuration. As seen in FIG.8, draw latches 90 may be positioned as desired at multiple locationsabout adjacent panels as needed to securely retain panels in thedeployed configuration.

Panels may be manufactured using 18 gauge 5052 aluminum sheets asexterior sheets that enclose three-quarter inch polyisocyanurate foampaneling. The aluminum sheets may be adhered to the polyisocyanuratepanels using a latex-based adhesive designed for bonding polystyrenefoam. The perimeter of the panels may be enclosed with a C-shapedchannel member formed from 18 gauge aluminum to enclose the internalfoam panel and fastened to the exterior sheets with rivets or shallowscrews. Panels may be bolted to hinges 62, which are then mounted to theinside of body 12 using #6 bolts, washers and nuts. Latches 90 may alsobe mounted to panels using #8 metal screws or rivets.

Referring to FIG. 9, system 10 may be used to provide temporary livingquarters 100 by including a shower stall 102, toilet 104, and sink 106,within interior space 28. Twin bunks 108 may be pivotally attached tosecond panel 52 or third panel 54 that form the side wall of the newenclosed space when positioned in the deployed configuration. Plumbingfor shower stall 102, toilet 104, and sink 106 may be included under asubfloor extending on top of floor 26 or within sidewalls 20 and 22, orboth. An HVAC unit 110 is included for air conditioning and heating.

Referring to FIG. 10, system 10 may also be used to provide a temporarykitchen 200 by outfitting interior space 28 of body 12 with an oven 202,steam kettle 204, prep table 206, sink 208, HVAC unit 210, hot table212, and serving window 214. As noted above, electrical supply wiringand plumbing can be installed to support the various components as isknown in the art.

Referring to FIG. 11, system 10 may also be used to provide a temporaryoffice and laundry unit 300 by outfitting interior with a water heater302, one or more laundry washer/dryer stacks 304, desks 306, chairs 308,and folding tables 310. As noted above, electrical wiring, gas supplywiring and plumbing can be installed to support the various componentsas is known in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing facilities at a location,comprising: a body having a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls, afloor, and a roof defining a first interior space; a set of doorsforming at least part of one of the pair of end walls and capable ofmovement between a closed position and an open position that permitsaccess to the interior space; and a series of panels pivotally coupledto the body within the interior space proximately to the set of doorsand positioned to be movable between a stowed configuration, whereineach of the series of panels is contained within the interior space ofthe body, and a deployed configuration, wherein each of the series ofpanels extends out of the interior space to form an enclosure defining asecond interior space in communication with the first interior space. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the series of panels are pivotallycoupled to the body so that, in the stowed configuration, the series ofpanels extend in parallel to the set of doors in the closed positionand, in the deployed configuration, the series of panels extend inparallel to the pair of side walls.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe series of panels comprises five panels and four of the panels arepivotally connected to the body.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein thefifth of the series of panels is pivotally connected to one of the fourpanels that are pivotally connected to the body.
 5. The system of claim4, wherein the fifth of the series of panels includes a door positionedtherein.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the series of panelsmay be releasably secured to at least one other of the series of panelswhen the series of panels are in the deployed configuration.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein each of the series of panels may bereleasably secured to at least one other of the series of panels using adraw latch.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the body is configured asa shipping container.
 9. A method of providing a temporary facility,comprising the steps of: providing a body having a pair of end wallshaving a set of doors, a pair of side walls, a floor, and a roofdefining a first interior space and a series of panels pivotally coupledto the body within the interior space and positioned proximately to theset of doors; and moving the series of panels from a stowedconfiguration, wherein each of the series of panels is contained withinthe interior space of the body, to a deployed configuration, whereineach of the series of panels extends out of the interior space to form asecond interior space in communication with the first interior space.10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of transportingthe body to a location where the temporary facility is needed prior tothe step of moving the series of panels from a stowed configuration intothe deployed configuration.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the bodyincludes at least one bed, a toilet, and a sink.
 12. The method of claim10, wherein the body includes a kitchen and one of the series of panelsincludes a serving window.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the bodyincludes at least one laundry stack.